H.E MAJOR-GENERAL (RET’D) JIOJI KONUSI KONROTE'S ADDRESS AT THE GRAND OPENING OF THE SUVA BOWLING CLUB NEWLY RENOVATED AND REFURBISHED CLUBHOUSE

- The Suva Bowling Club Patron, Mr. Lomax Naua;
- The Suva Bowling Club Trustees, Mr. Phillip Lacey and Mr. Gary Barnett;
- The Suva Bowling Club President, Mr. Samuela Tui;
- The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency John Feakes;
- The New Zealand High Commissioner, His Excellency Jonathan Curr and Mrs. Curr;
- The US Ambassador, His Excellency Joseph Cella;
- The Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Paul Welsh;
- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ms. Jennifer Poole;
- The Commander Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto;
- The Commander Fiji Corrections Service, Former Navy/Commander Francis Kean;
- Corporate Partners of the Suva Bowling Club;
- The Management and Staff of the Suva Bowling Club;
- Ladies and Gentlemen.
 
Ni sa bula vinaka, Namaste, Noa’ia ‘mauri and a Very Good Evening to you all.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I deem it an honour and great pleasure to be invited and officiate as your Chief Guest at this evening’s commemorative event – The Official Opening of the newly Refurbished Clubhouse of The Suva Bowling Club.

These re-furbishing work include the erection of a permanent 16 x 12 metre Function Tent, the extension of a canopy to fully cover the ‘outdoor recreation’ area; and the provision of Mahogany Outdoor Furnishings of chairs, tables and other amenities.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow me to humbly express my sincere appreciation and gratitude, first of all, to the Senior Management Officials and Members of the Suva Bowling Club for kindly inviting me to share with you the joy and satisfaction in achieving the final result of your hardwork over these past months; and for our other distinguished guests – The Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Sponsors, Relatives and Friends, for gracing this auspicious and historical occasion with your presence.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your continued interest and support is vital for the future progress and success of this important Sporting Institution.

I am also reliably informed that the new extensions/renovations were all designed, built and installed by Fijian-owned business entities and in this regard, it would be remiss of me if I do not acknowledge, commend and congratulate the Committee Members, Project Team and the Workers for completing the whole Re-furbishment Project in record time and within its limited budgetary allocation, I believe.

A most commendable achievement indeed in promoting The Fijian Made Brand, particularly during this most difficult and challenging time, consequent upon the very detrimental social and economic impacts of The COVID-19 Pandemic.

What we have witnessed here this evening Ladies and Gentlemen, is a most commendable commitment of Perseverance and Teamwork by The Club Members and Supporters in achieving the desired outcome and adding another important milestone to the history of the Suva Bowling Club.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Suva Bowling Club, like many established Sporting Clubs in Fiji, has had its fair share of achievements and challenges over the years since its establishment in the 1920s.

Since Independence in 1970, some Fijian Bowlers had done exceptionally well and had excelled in local, regional and international tournaments/competitions and had stamped our mark as worthy competitors and opponents in the Sport.

This proud legacy is being maintained and promoted by today’s generation of Bowlers who should be commended and continued to be supported by all Sports loving Fijians.

As our beloved Nation’s Chief Advocate in our national effort to combat the scourge of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and other related ailments and in promoting Government’s Wellness Programme, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate The Suva Bowling Club members for the very positive manner in which you promptly opened The Club and started your local competitions when the COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown/restrictions were lifted recently.

This is symptomatic of a Sporting Club which is very helpful and positive in supporting Government and our overall National Effort in endeavouring to come to terms with the harmful effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, which was further compounded by the widespread damage to infrastructure and properties wreaked by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Moreover, in renovating the existing premises in your wish to provide better facilities and improve the image of The Club is indeed indicative of your love for Sports and the resilience nature of our people – The Fijian Bula Spirit of not wishing to be totally defeated by adversity.

Congratulations, and Well Done!

Ladies and Gentlemen, in this regard I am sure that it must be quite frustrating to our Bowling Womens’ Trio of Ms. Sharol Mar, Ms. Loretta Kotoisuva and Ms. Elizabeth Moceiwai and The Mens’ Trio of Skipper Mr. Semesa Naiseruvatu, Mr. Kushal Pillay and Mr. Ravinesh Prasad who were initially selected to represent The Club at The Muni Chand Triples Tournament in preparation for The World Outside Bowling Championship which had been postponed indefinitely because of The COVID-19 Pandemic global lockdown.

I wish these dedicated and hardworking members well and every success in your pursuit to continue to do well in the Sport of Bowling and in representing our beloved nation as good sporting ambassadors, and promoting the Sport to present and future generations of our People.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to wish The Suva Bowling Club and its Members well and every success in its future endeavours.
 
Stay Safe and Happy Bowling.

Vinaka Vakalevu, Thank you, Dhanyavaad, Sukhriya and Fa’eksia!

May Almighty God bless our Beloved Nation and all Humanity always!